The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced on March 28, 2025, that the Statewide Grand Jury returned indictments against a Leominster woman, accused of stealing thousands of dollars from multiple elderly victims while posing as a professional caregiver. The woman worked at healthcare agencies and long-term care facilities throughout Worcester and Middlesex counties.
The defendant is accused of stealing bank cards from at least 16 elderly victims and using the cards to steal approximately $28,000 from 11 of them, while attempting to steal from the others. The AGO brought the charges against the defendant on March 20, 2025, leading to an indictment by the Statewide Grand Jury on nine counts of Larceny over $250 from an Elder or Disabled Person; Credit Card Fraud; Attempted Larceny over $250 from an Elder or Disabled Person; Identity Fraud; and Misleading the Police/Obstruction of Justice.
Between August and November 2024, the defendant allegedly used the stolen identities and professional credentials of a relative and a former co-worker to fraudulently pose as a professional caregiver, gaining employment at five different healthcare agencies, long-term care facilities, and assisted living facilities. During her time at each location, which typically lasted a few weeks, the defendant allegedly stole the credit or debit cards of elderly victims, including MassHealth members, and used or attempted to use the cards without their knowledge. All victims were over the age of 60.
The facilities at which the defendant worked include a long-term care facility in Framingham, a senior living facility in Bedford, and assisted living facilities in Hudson and Leominster, among others throughout Worcester and Middlesex counties.
Additionally, the AGO alleges that while under investigation for her conduct by a local police department, the defendant deliberately misled police about her identity by fraudulently posing as and using the identity of a relative.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Healthcare facilities must conduct comprehensive background checks on employees to ensure eligibility and qualification for working in healthcare settings, particularly those receiving government funding. Checks should include criminal background, sex offender registry, OIG exclusion list, ID verification, past employment, and education. Ongoing monitoring of these databases is essential. Additionally, facilities must safeguard residents’ personal property, including financial items like credit cards and cash. Proper inventory and secure storage options, such as lockboxes, should be provided to minimize the risk of theft or misappropriation.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures for employee screening and regular monitoring to ensure compliance with current regulations. Review procedures for safeguarding residents’ financial property and ensure protocols are in place to prevent and report misappropriation.
- Train appropriate staff on thorough employee background checks, including verification of credentials, criminal history, and OIG exclusion status. Educate all staff on preventing and reporting the misappropriation of resident property and abuse, and inform residents and families about monitoring financial accounts and reporting concerns.
- Conduct regular audits of employee records to verify the validity of credentials and ongoing licensure. Audit resident property inventories, lockbox usage, and financial accounts to detect potential misappropriations. Investigate any reports of stolen or missing items promptly.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
